### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kêheh**, represented by `{{H3544}}`, is a term for things that are **feeble, obscure, or diminished**. It appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible. Its specific applications range from describing physical sight that has faded to a smoldering wick, from a discolored blemish on the skin to the emotional weight of a heavy spirit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H3544}}` carries both a literal and a figurative meaning. In Leviticus, it is used repeatedly in a clinical sense to describe a skin infection or blemish that is **somewhat dark** or **darkish** in color, a key factor in a priest's diagnosis ([[Leviticus 13:6]], [[Leviticus 13:39]]). It also describes physical decline, as when Eli's eyes began to **wax dim** with age [[1 Samuel 3:2]]. Prophetically, it illustrates the gentleness of the Messiah, who will not quench a **smoking** flax, representing something weak and nearly extinguished [[Isaiah 42:3]]. Figuratively, it conveys deep emotional despair as the "spirit of **heaviness**," which God promises to replace with praise [[Isaiah 61:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H3544}}` is found:
* `{{H7533}}` **râtsats** (to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively; break, bruise, crush): This word appears alongside `{{H3544}}` in [[Isaiah 42:3]], where a "bruised" reed and "**smoking**" flax depict a state of extreme fragility and weakness.
* `{{H3518}}` **kâbâh** (to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger); go (put) out, quench): This term is paired directly with `{{H3544}}` in the promise that the Messiah will not **quench** the "**smoking**" flax, highlighting a deliberate act of preservation toward the feeble [[Isaiah 42:3]].
* `{{H7307}}` **rûwach** (wind; by resemblance breath... spirit): This word is used to form the concept of a person's inner state. In [[Isaiah 61:3]], it is combined with `{{H3544}}` to describe the "**spirit** of heaviness," a condition of profound sorrow that God can transform.
* `{{H3836}}` **lâbân** (white): This word for "white" is used with `{{H3544}}` in [[Leviticus 13:39]] to create the specific description "**darkish** white," demonstrating its function as a precise color modifier in the context of priestly examinations.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3544}}` is most evident in its prophetic applications. It consistently represents a state of weakness or decline that becomes the object of God's gentle and restorative power.
* **Messianic Gentleness:** The imagery of the "**smoking**" flax that will not be quenched paints a picture of a Savior who does not discard or destroy the weak, but tenderly preserves them [[Isaiah 42:3]].
* **Divine Transformation:** The Lord promises to give a "garment of praise" in exchange for the "spirit of **heaviness**" [[Isaiah 61:3]]. This shows that human despair and spiritual feebleness are not final states, but conditions that God actively redeems and transforms into joy and righteousness.
* **Spiritual Discernment:** In the Levitical laws, the "somewhat **dark**" appearance of a plague was a sign requiring priestly attention and discernment [[Leviticus 13:6]]. This underscores a broader principle of carefully examining and addressing matters of spiritual health and purity.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3544}}` moves from a literal descriptor of dimness and discoloration to a powerful metaphor for human frailty. Whether describing failing eyesight, a nearly extinguished flame, or a spirit weighed down by sorrow, the word consistently points to a state of being diminished. Ultimately, its use in scripture highlights a core theological truth: it is precisely in these moments of weakness that God's gentle, preserving, and transformative character is most clearly revealed.
TRV